In a world that often ties love and acceptance to unrealistic expectations, it's easy to lose touch with our bodies, forgetting to see them as the sacred homes of our souls. Particularly for women, society's pressure to conform to certain standards can make us feel like we don't belong. Personally, I've experienced this pressure, especially regarding my hips. Since childhood, my relatives labeled my hips as "too big," and I even endured toxic relationships where my hip's violin shape was criticized. I went to extreme lengths, like fasting, to maintain a flat stomach in the hope of fitting my partners' ideals of attractiveness. However, self-portraits became my tool to regain control over my body, learning to appreciate it with all its unique quirks. This article will discuss three ways self-portrait photography has transformed my perspective, with the hope of inspiring others to reclaim their power and cultivate a positive relationship with their bodies.
1. Mindfulness:
Self-portraits act as a visual diary, capturing moments that ground you in the present. Focusing on framing the perfect shot or experimenting with angles makes you attuned to the sensations and emotions your body experiences. This mindfulness practice helps you appreciate your body and cultivates a profound connection with your physical self.
Imagine capturing the warm sunlight touching your skin or freezing a moment of genuine laughter. These images not only make you more aware of your environment and emotions but also serve as tangible reminders of the beauty in the present. They encourage a positive perspective on your body, appreciating it just as it is in the here and now.
Tips to enhance mindfulness through self-portraits: Tips to enhance mindfulness through self-portraits: Experiment with planned photo sessions expressing different emotions. Capture happiness, sadness, excitement, or calmness to understand your feelings better and observe how your body responds to different emotions. This visual storytelling practice increases awareness of your emotions and helps you appreciate the unique ways your body expresses feelings.
"Passion" (2020)- this self-portrait was taken during a time when I had intense feelings for someone who I couldn't be with. In every gesture, I tried to express my passion. I was conscious of how my body moved, feeling the emotion take over me from head to toe, even down to my fingertips and tiptoes.
2. Acceptance:
Have you ever noticed how looking at yourself in a photo can sometimes feel different than gazing into a mirror? Self-portraits provide a fresh perspective, allowing you to see yourself through a more compassionate lens. By capturing your image in various moods, poses, and settings, you may find that what you once considered "flaws" are, in fact, unique attributes that contribute to your individuality.
For instance, I've always been self-conscious about the size of my nose. Through self-portraits, I realized that this feature, far from being a flaw, adds character to my face and makes me unique. In embracing these quirks, you're not just accepting them but celebrating them as integral parts of what makes you beautifully you.
Tips to cultivate acceptance through self-portraits: Try taking pictures of yourself in ways that go against the usual ideas of beauty. Show off angles and poses that society might see as different or unusual. This helps you feel more accepting of yourself and challenges what people think is normal. For example, take a photo where you're not smiling conventionally, or experiment with poses and expressions that are not traditionally seen as "picture-perfect." By doing this, you break free from society's expectations and find beauty in being different.
"Psycho (2015)"- this is one of my early self-portraits. I typically avoid taking pictures head-on because I never liked how my nose looks from that angle. In this self-portrait, I was still experimenting and playfully trying out different unconventional expressions.
3. Embodying Authenticity:
Self-portraits offer a space for creative expression, enabling you to explore and embrace different facets of your identity. As you experiment with various poses, outfits, and environments, your body becomes a canvas for authentic self-representation. Societal expectations start to dissipate, and you can express, accept, and integrate different identities and archetypal forces that resonate with you.
For instance, I always considered myself the opposite of "feminine." I didn't like my body, how I moved, or how I talked, and I was always wearing baggy and unattractive clothes. This self-consciousness affected my self-esteem, repressing my feminine energy. Through self-portraits, I found a safe space to let that energy be manifested in all its glory—the wild feminine, without restraints or judgment.
Tips to embody authenticity through self-portraits: Try out different themes that show different sides of yourself. For example, you can take pictures that represent your strong moments, vulnerable times, or joyful experiences. These themed self-portraits create a colorful picture of all the different parts of who you are, just like how the pieces of puzzle create a full image. Also, you can let out various energies or personalities through your photos, like the playful trickster, the wise sage, your hidden side, or the anima/animus. By doing this, you're not just being yourself, but you're also celebrating all the unique layers that make up the real you.
"Awakening (2020) -this self-portrait represents the "awakening" of my dark and wild feminine energy. Through symbolism and colors, I crafted a scene where this aspect of myself could express freely, without fearing judgment from others or even from myself.
In conclusion, self-portrait photography opens doors to self-discovery and empowerment. Through the lens, you can embrace mindfulness, cultivating a deeper connection with your body in the present moment. Acceptance blossoms as you view yourself with compassion, celebrating what makes you uniquely beautiful. Embodying authenticity becomes a journey of creative expression, breaking free from societal expectations. In this therapeutic process, you redefine and reclaim your body on your terms, You peel back layers to find the real you, celebrating the lively energy and uniqueness that's inside you. Remember, there are no rules—just the freedom to explore, express, and love yourself through the art of self-portraits!